System and method for cognitive enrichment of an animal

ABSTRACT

A system and method for cognitive enrichment of an animal. At least one display device is configured to display stimuli to an animal. At least one input device is configured to accept input from the animal. At least one reward dispenser is configured to dispense a reward to the animal. At least one processor is communicatively coupled with the at least one display device, the at least one input device, and the at least one reward dispenser. Execution of computer-readable instructions causes the at least one processor to carry out steps including displaying one or more stimuli to the animal using the at least one display device, accepting an input from the animal corresponding to at least one of the one or more stimuli, making a dispensing decision based on the input, and dispensing a reward using the at least one reward dispenser based on the dispensing decision.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/070,420, filed on Mar. 23, 2011, specification of which isherein incorporated by reference for completeness of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention described herein pertain to the field ofanimal care. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, one ormore embodiments of the invention enable a system and method forcognitive enrichment of an animal.

2. Description of the Related Art

In countries all over the world, animals are domesticated. Domesticatedanimals, including canines, felines, and other animals require care. Forexample, domesticated animals must be fed a diet on a regular schedule.The diet must satisfy the nutritional requirements and needs of theanimal. Often, specialized food products for the target animal areavailable along with recommended feeding instructions in order toprovide the animal a complete and balanced diet. It is up to theanimal's caretaker to ensure that the feeding instructions are followed.

Specialized pet treats are also available. These treats also come withrecommended feeding instructions. Often, the nutritional content ofthese treats do not provide a complete and balanced diet for the animal.It is often recommended that such treats are offered in a limitedfashion.

It is difficult to allow an animal to choose a specific type of food ora combination of foods and/or treats. Feeding instructions forspecialized food products often do not take into account that more thanone food product will be offered to the animal. Feeding of apredetermined food often occurs based on a predetermined schedule. Thetiming or other preferences of the domesticated animal are typically nottaken into consideration.

Food products, including treats, are often used in the training ofdomesticated animals. Such rewards help the animal associate a correctresponse with the reward. Non-food rewards, such as toys, praise, andother rewards, are also used to help the animal learn. Negativereinforcement, such as electric fences and collars with unpleasantstimuli are often used to help train animals to avoid unwantedresponses. The use of negative reinforcement may be problematic; it isviewed by some as inhumane, and may exacerbate aggressive, anxious orother undesirable behaviors.

It is also widely accepted that mental stimulation and exercise arehighly beneficial to a domesticated animal. Training is a form of mentalstimulation. However, domesticated animals also benefit from mentalstimulation outside of training. Mental stimulation and exercise oftenrequire a high level of interaction between the animal and a human, suchas a caretaker, owner, or trainer. Pet owners are encouraged toregularly engage their pet in both physical and mental stimulation.Without regular human-driven interaction, domesticated animals may notreceive adequate mental stimulation. Furthermore, even with regularhuman-driven interaction, it is typically impractical for a caretaker,owner, or trainer to provide mental stimulation around the clock. Inextreme cases, the absence of owner presence may also be associated withanxiety, i.e. separation anxiety, or other undesirable behaviors.

Interaction with other animals may also provide mental stimulation. Itis common for a household to have more than one pet. However, it is notalways feasible to provide a domestic animal with this form ofstimulation.

To overcome the problems and limitations described above there is a needfor a system and method for cognitive enrichment of an animal.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the system and method for cognitive enrichment of ananimal described herein provide cognitive enrichment and stimulation,enable cognitive assessment outside of a clinical setting, permitcollection of cognitive data, and enable applications for establishingfood preferences. Furthermore, the systems and methods described hereinprovide a tool to address separation anxiety, such as by distracting petfrom owner absence and allowing owner to interact with pet over anetwork throughout the day.

One or more embodiments of the system and method for cognitiveenrichment of an animal described herein are directed to a system forcognitive enrichment of a domesticated animal. In one or moreembodiments, the system for cognitive enrichment of a domesticatedanimal includes at least one display device configured to displaystimuli to an animal.

In one or more embodiments, the system for cognitive enrichment of adomesticated animal further includes at least one input deviceconfigured to accept input from the animal.

In one or more embodiments, the animal is a canine.

In one or more embodiments, the at least one display device and the atleast one input device include a touch-screen display capable ofdisplaying images on a screen and accepting touch input on the screen.

In one or more embodiments, the system for cognitive enrichment of adomesticated animal further includes at least one reward dispenserconfigured to dispense at least one reward to the animal. In one or moreembodiments, the at least one reward dispenser includes a plurality offood chambers configured to store a plurality of food types. The atleast one reward dispenser is configured to dispense at least oneselected food from at least one of the plurality of food chambers.

In one or more embodiments, the system for cognitive enrichment of adomesticated animal further includes at least one processorcommunicatively coupled with the at least one display device, the atleast one input device, and the at least one reward dispenser. In one ormore embodiments, at least one of the at least one display device, theat least one input device, and the at least one reward dispenser iscommunicatively coupled with the at least one processor wirelessly.

In one or more embodiments, the system for cognitive enrichment of adomesticated animal further includes a computer-readable mediumincluding computer-readable instructions. Execution of thecomputer-readable instructions by the at least one processor causes theat least one processor to carry out steps.

In one or more embodiments, the steps carried out by the processorinclude displaying one or more stimuli to the animal using the at leastone display device.

In one or more embodiments, the steps carried out by the processorfurther include accepting an input from the animal corresponding to atleast one of the one or more stimuli.

In one or more embodiments, the steps carried out by the processorfurther include making a dispensing decision based on the input.

In one or more embodiments, the steps carried out by the processorfurther include dispensing a reward using the at least one rewarddispenser based on the dispensing decision.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more stimuli includes imagescorresponding to the plurality of food types. The input may include afood selection corresponding to a selected food type. The dispensingdecision may be further based on at least one nutritional calculation.The reward may include the selected food type.

In one or more embodiments, execution of the computer-readableinstructions further causes the at least one processor to carry outsteps including accepting from a user at least one animal diet parametercorresponding to the animal, determining at least one nutritionallimitation for a time period based on the at least one animal dietparameter, tracking periodic nutritional intake informationcorresponding to food dispensed during a current time period, andperiodically resetting the periodic nutritional intake information. Inone or more embodiments, the nutritional calculation includesdetermining if dispensing the reward would exceed any of the at leastone nutritional limitation during the current time period.

In one or more embodiments, execution of the computer-readableinstructions further causes the at least one processor to carry outsteps including accepting from a user at least one animal diet parametercorresponding to the animal, determining at least one nutritionalrequirement for a time period based on the at least one animal dietparameter, tracking periodic nutritional intake informationcorresponding to food dispensed during a current time period, selectingthe stimuli for display based on the periodic nutritional intakeinformation and the at least one nutritional requirement, andperiodically resetting the periodic nutritional intake information.

In one or more embodiments, the system for cognitive enrichment of adomesticated animal further includes at least one image capture deviceconfigured to capture a video feed, where execution of thecomputer-readable instructions further causes the at least one processorto carry out steps including establishing a connection to a remotecomputing device, and transmitting the video feed to the remotecomputing device in response to a triggering event. In one or moreembodiments, the triggering event includes at least one of an action ofthe animal, a threshold environmental reading, and a connection requestfrom the remote computing device. In one or more embodiments, executionof the computer-readable instructions further causes the at least oneprocessor to carry out steps including receiving a remote video feedfrom the remote computing device, and displaying the remote video feedon at least one of the at least one display device.

In one or more embodiments, execution of the computer-readableinstructions further causes the at least one processor to carry outsteps including determining an identity of the animal interacting withthe at least one display device and the at least one input device.

In one or more embodiments of the system for cognitive enrichment, theone or more stimuli displayed to the animal includes a game. Thedispensing decision may be based on a comparison of the input to acorrect response. In one or more embodiments, at least one of the one ormore stimuli are displayed with animation. The game may be configured toimprove a skill of the animal. In one or more embodiments, the gameincludes a level selected from a multi-level battery of cognitivetraining exercises.

In one or more embodiments, execution of the computer-readableinstructions further causes the at least one processor to carry outsteps including downloading at least one add-on module over a network.The at least one add-on module may include computer-readable add-oninstructions configured to modify at least one of the stimuli, the inputand the dispensing decision.

In one or more embodiments of the system for cognitive enrichment,execution of the computer-readable instructions further causes the atleast one processor to carry out steps including uploading local datacorresponding to the animal over a network, downloading cloud datacorresponding to other animals over the network, and displaying acomparison of the local data and the cloud data. Execution of thecomputer-readable instructions may further cause the at least oneprocessor to upload parameter data corresponding to the animal over thenetwork, where the parameter data includes at least one parameterselected from animal breed, age and sex. In one or more embodiments, theparameter data includes at least one parameter reflecting an animal'shousehold. The comparison may be based on one or more of the at leastone parameter.

One or more embodiments of the system and method for cognitiveenrichment of an animal described herein are directed to acomputer-readable medium including computer-readable instructions forcollecting domesticated animal data.

Execution of the computer-readable instructions by one or moreprocessors causes the one or more processors to carry out steps.

In one or more embodiments, the steps carried out by the processorinclude registering a plurality of domesticated animals associated withat least one device configured to interact with at least one of theplurality of domesticated animals.

In one or more embodiments, the steps carried out by the processorfurther include receiving parameter data corresponding to the pluralityof domesticated animals. The parameter data may include at least oneparameter selected from animal breed, age and sex. In one or moreembodiments, the parameter data includes at least one parameterreflecting an animal's household.

In one or more embodiments, the steps carried out by the processorfurther include receiving recorded data corresponding to the pluralityof domesticated animals from the at least one device. The recorded datamay include at least one of menu choice data, nutritional intake data,cognitive performance data, activity data, behavioral data andphysiological data.

In one or more embodiments, the steps carried out by the processorfurther include processing the recorded data based on the at least oneparameter to generate trend data for at least one of the at least oneparameter.

In one or more embodiments, the steps carried out by the processorfurther include providing the trend data to at least one of the at leastone device associated with at least one of the plurality of domesticatedanimals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the inventionwill be more apparent from the following more particular descriptionthereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a general-purpose computer and peripherals that, whenprogrammed as described herein, may operate as a specially programmedcomputer capable of implementing one or more embodiments of systems andmethods for cognitive enrichment of an animal.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system diagram in accordance with one or moreembodiments of systems and methods for cognitive enrichment of ananimal.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary cognitive enrichment system inaccordance with one or more embodiments of systems and methods forcognitive enrichment of an animal.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary reward dispenser in accordance with oneor more embodiments of systems and methods for cognitive enrichment ofan animal.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary display device in accordance with one ormore embodiments of systems and methods for cognitive enrichment of ananimal.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary extended, networked system in accordancewith one or more embodiments of systems and methods for cognitiveenrichment of an animal.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for sending and receivingdata in accordance with one or more embodiments of systems and methodsfor cognitive enrichment of an animal.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for implementing menuselection based on a nutritional limitation in accordance with one ormore embodiments of systems and methods for cognitive enrichment of ananimal.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for implementing menuselection based on a nutritional requirement in accordance with one ormore embodiments of systems and methods for cognitive enrichment of ananimal.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for sending and receivingvideo data in accordance with one or more embodiments of systems andmethods for cognitive enrichment of an animal.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for collecting andproviding data with one or more embodiments of systems and methods forcognitive enrichment of an animal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A system and method for cognitive enrichment of an animal will now bedescribed. In the following exemplary description numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understandingof embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to anartisan of ordinary skill that the present invention may be practicedwithout incorporating all aspects of the specific details describedherein. In other instances, specific features, quantities, ormeasurements well known to those of ordinary skill in the art have notbeen described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. Readersshould note that although examples of the invention are set forthherein, the claims, and the full scope of any equivalents, are whatdefine the metes and bounds of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a general-purpose computer and peripherals that, whenprogrammed as described herein, may operate as a specially programmedcomputer capable of implementing one or more embodiments of systems andmethods for cognitive enrichment of an animal. The components of system100 are described herein.

Processor 107 may be coupled to bi-directional communicationinfrastructure 102 such as communication infrastructure system bus 102.Communication infrastructure 102 may generally be a system bus thatprovides an interface to the other components in the general-purposecomputer system such as processor 107, main memory 106, displayinterface 108, secondary memory 112 and/or communication interface 124.

Main memory 106 may provide a computer readable medium for accessing andexecuted stored data and applications. Display interface 108 maycommunicate with display unit 110 that may be utilized to displayoutputs to the user of the specially-programmed computer system. Displayunit 110 may comprise one or more monitors that may visually depictaspects of the computer program to the user. Main memory 106 and displayinterface 108 may be coupled to communication infrastructure 102, whichmay serve as the interface point to secondary memory 112 andcommunication interface 124. Secondary memory 112 may provide additionalmemory resources beyond main memory 106, and may generally function as astorage location for computer programs to be executed by processor 107.Either fixed or removable computer-readable media may serve as Secondarymemory 112. Secondary memory 112 may comprise, for example, hard disk114 and removable storage drive 116 that may have an associatedremovable storage unit 118. There may be multiple sources of secondarymemory 112 and systems implementing the solutions described in thisdisclosure may be configured as needed to support the data storagerequirements of the user and the methods described herein. Secondarymemory 112 may also comprise interface 120 that serves as an interfacepoint to additional storage such as removable storage unit 122. Numeroustypes of data storage devices may serve as repositories for datautilized by the specially programmed computer system. For example,magnetic, optical or magnetic-optical storage systems, or any otheravailable mass storage technology that provides a repository for digitalinformation may be used.

Communication interface 124 may be coupled to communicationinfrastructure 102 and may serve as a conduit for data destined for orreceived from communication path 126. A network interface card (NIC) isan example of the type of device that once coupled to communicationinfrastructure 102 may provide a mechanism for transporting data tocommunication path 126. Computer networks such Local Area Networks(LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), Wireless networks, optical networks,distributed networks, the Internet or any combination thereof are someexamples of the type of communication paths that may be utilized by thespecially program computer system. Communication path 126 may compriseany type of telecommunication network or interconnection fabric that cantransport data to and from communication interface 124.

To facilitate user interaction with the specially programmed computersystem, one or more human interface devices (HID) 130 may be provided.Some examples of HIDs that enable users to input commands or data to thespecially programmed computer may comprise a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen devices, microphones or other audio interface devices, motionsensors or the like, as well as any other device able to accept any kindof human input and in turn communicate that input to processor 107 totrigger one or more responses from the specially programmed computer arewithin the scope of the system disclosed herein.

While FIG. 1 depicts a physical device, the scope of the system may alsoencompass a virtual device, virtual machine or simulator embodied in oneor more computer programs executing on a computer or computer system andacting or providing a computer system environment compatible with themethods and processes of this disclosure. Where a virtual machine,process, device or otherwise performs substantially similarly to that ofa physical computer system, such a virtual platform will also fallwithin the scope of disclosure provided herein, notwithstanding thedescription herein of a physical system such as that in FIG. 1.

One or more embodiments are configured to enable the speciallyprogrammed computer to take the input data given and transform it into aweb-based UI by applying one or more of the methods and/or processesdescribed herein. Thus the methods described herein are able totransform a stored component into a web UI, using the solution disclosedhere to result in an output of the system as a web UI design supporttool, using the specially programmed computer as described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system diagram in accordance with one or moreembodiments of systems and methods for cognitive enrichment of ananimal. Cognitive enrichment system 200 includes at least one displaydevice 202. Display device 202 is configured to display stimuli to ananimal. The animal may include any domesticated animal, including anypet, such as canines, felines and any other domesticated animal. Thestimuli may include visual, auditory, or any other sensory stimuli. Inone or more embodiments, visual stimuli are displayed on display device202. Visual stimuli may include any displayable image. In one or moreembodiments, visual stimuli differ from each other in color, shape, andsize in a manner typically discernable by the type of animal.

Cognitive enrichment system 200 further includes at least one inputdevice 204. Input device 204 is configured to accept input from theanimal. In one or more embodiments, the input corresponds to a selectionof a stimuli displayed by display device 202. Input device 204 mayinclude an image capture device, a sound recording device, one or moresensors, or any other device capable of interpreting input from theanimal.

In one or more embodiments, cognitive enrichment system 200 includes atouch-screen display capable of displaying images on a screen andaccepting touch and put on the screen, where the touch-screen displayfunctions as both display device 202 and input device 204.

Cognitive enrichment system 200 further includes at least one rewarddispenser 206. Reward dispenser 206 is configured to dispense at leastone reward to the animal. In one or more embodiments, the reward is afood reward. Reward dispenser 206 may be configured to dispense multipletypes of rewards, including multiple types of food reward. Othersuitable rewards include toys and any other object desirable to theanimal. In one or more embodiments, cognitive enrichment system 200 isfurther configured to dispense other forms of positive reinforcement,such as sights, sounds and/or symbols associated with praise, auditoryand/or visual entertainment, or any other positive reinforcement.Cognitive enrichment system 200 may be configured to dispense negativereinforcement, such as an unpleasant sound, image, video, or any othernegative reinforcement that can be delivered autonomously. In one ormore embodiments, only positive rewards are generated and/or dispensedby cognitive enrichment system 200.

Cognitive enrichment system 200 further includes at least one processor208. Processor 208 is communicatively coupled with display device 202,input device 204 and reward dispenser 206. In one or more embodiments,at least one of display device 202, input device 204 and rewarddispenser 206 is wirelessly coupled with processor 208. Processor 208may be configured to control display device 202, input device 204 andreward dispenser 206.

Processor 208 is communicatively coupled with computer-readable medium210. Computer-readable medium 210 includes computer-readableinstructions. Execution of the computer-readable instructions byprocessor 208 causes processor 208 to display with one or more stimulito the animal using display device 202, accept input from the animalusing input device 204, make a dispensing decision based on the input,and dispense a reward using reward dispenser 206 based on the dispensingdecision. A different reward or a different reward quantity may bedispensed using reward dispenser 206 for different stimuli selected bythe animal. In one or more embodiments, processor 208 is furtherconfigured to track nutritional intake information based on a quantityof food reward dispensed by reward dispenser 206.

In one or more embodiments, the stimuli displayed on display device 202are objects displayed in game. In the game, a correct input response maybe determined. The dispensing decision is based on a comparison of theinput from the animal to the correct response. In one or moreembodiments, a correct response includes selection of at least onecorrect stimuli by the animal. The game may be configured to evaluateand/or improve one or more skills of the animal, such as a cognitiveskill, a coordination skill, a memory skill, a speed skill, an accuracyskill, a behavioral skill, or any other skill.

In one or more embodiments, the game is a level selected from amulti-level battery of cognitive training exercises. One multi-levelbattery of cognitive training exercises is disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/889,725, entitled COGNITIVE ASSESSMENT ANDTRAINING OF AN ANIMAL and filed on Sep. 24, 2010, which is herebyincorporated in its entirety for completeness of disclosure. In anexemplary multi-leveled battery of cognitive training exercises, apreliminary level may be used to acclimate the animal to the cognitiveenrichment system. A reward level may be used to acclimate the animal tothe presentation of the reward, including the method of delivery of thereward. An object level may be used for associating an object selectionwith a reward. During an object level trial, a stimulus is presented tothe animal, and the animal earns the reward by selecting the stimulus. Adiscrimination level may be used for associating a specific object witha reward. During a discrimination level trial, two or more stimuli arepresented to the animal, and the animal earns the reward by selectingthe correct stimulus associated with the reward. A reversal level may beused to disassociate a previously learned association between a rewardand a specific object. During a reversal level trial, two or morestimuli are presented to the animal, where selection of a first stimuluswas previously rewarded. The animal earns the reward by selecting asecond stimulus that was previously unrewarded.

In one or more embodiments, processor 208 may be configured to present amodified game to evaluate and/or improve performance in an animal with adisability or disease.

Processor 208 may be configured to display the stimuli with animation.For example, movement of the stimuli on display device 202 may be usedto evaluate and/or improve memory, object tracking, excitability, speed,coordination, or any other skill.

In one or more embodiments, processor 208 is further configured todetermine the identity of an animal interacting with the cognitiveenrichment system 200. Processor 208 may be configured to distinguish anidentity of a first animal registered with cognitive enrichment system200 and a second animal registered with cognitive enrichment system 200.Processor 208 may also be configured to distinguish between registeredanimals and nonregistered animals. In one or more embodiments, identityis established based on microchip, RFID, Bluetooth, or any otherwireless device fastened to the collar or otherwise attached to theanimal.

In one or more embodiments, processor 208 is further configured toperform signal processing to detect an identity of an animal, to detectan input from the animal, or to detect a triggering event.

In one or more embodiments, cognitive enrichment system 200 includesnetwork communication device 212. Network communication device 212 isconfigured to access network 214. Network 214 may include one or moreLocal Area Networks (LAN) Wide Area Networks (WAN), wireless networks,optical networks, distributed networks, the Internet or any othernetwork or combination thereof.

In one or more embodiments, processor 208 uses network communicationdevice 212 to download at least one software module over network 214.The software module includes computer-readable software instructionsthat, when executed by processor 208, modifies at least one of thestimuli displayed, the input processing, and the dispensing decision. Ineffect, a number of games may be accessed using network communicationdevice 212 over network 214.

In one or more embodiments, processor 208 is further configured to usenetwork communication device 212 to download nutritional informationover network 214. Nutritional information may be downloaded for aplurality of food types stored in one or more food chambers of rewarddispenser 206. Processor 208 may be further configured to calculatenutritional intake information based on a quantity of food dispensed ofeach of the plurality of food types.

In one or more embodiments, processor 208 uses network communicationdevice 212 to upload local data corresponding to the animal over thenetwork 214, download cloud data corresponding to other animals overnetwork 214, and display a comparison of the local data and the clouddata. The cloud data may include trend data that is generated based theother animals, or based on any subset of the other animals. A subset ofthe other animals may be defined by parameter data. Any parameter may beused to classify the plurality of animals and provide trend data foreach classification. For example, trend data may be generated forsubsets based on animal breed, age, sex, weight, diseases, allergies,disposition, household data, and any other characteristic or combinationthereof. In one or more embodiments, the comparison allows a user toview the differences between the animal associated with cognitiveenrichment system 200 and similar animals regarding information such asmenu choice data, nutritional intake data, cognitive data, performancedata, activity data, behavioral data, physiological data, or any otherrecordable data. In one or more embodiments, the comparison is displayedon display device 202. The comparison may also be displayed on anyremote computing device authorized to access local information about theanimal, such as a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a PDA, a mobilecomputer, any other mobile computing device, a computer, a server, orany other computer.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary cognitive enrichment device inaccordance with one or more embodiments of systems and methods forcognitive enrichment of an animal. The animal may include anydomesticated animal, including any pet, such as canines, felines and anyother domesticated animal. Cognitive enrichment device 300 includestouch-screen device 302. Touch-screen device 302 functions as both adisplay device and an input device. Touch-screen device 302 isconfigured to display stimuli 310-316. Touch-screen device 302 is alsoconfigured to accept input from the animal. The input may correspond toat least one of the stimuli 310-316. In one or more embodiments, inputassociated with a selected stimuli is determined based on touch input ona region of touch-screen device 302 where the selected stimuli isdisplayed.

Cognitive enrichment device 300 may include image capture device 308.Image capture device 308 may be used to determine a proximity of ananimal or to determine an identity of the animal. Image capture device308 may also be used to generate a video feed to send to a remotecomputing device, such as over a network. The network may include one ormore Local Area Networks (LAN) Wide Area Networks (WAN), wirelessnetworks, optical networks, distributed networks, the Internet or anyother network or combination thereof.

In one or more embodiments, a sound, treat, or other signal may be usedto entice or train the animal to come within range of the image capturedevice. The animal may be trained to associate a unique sound or anotherunique signal with connection requests from specific users.

The remote computing device may include a cellular telephone, a smartphone, a PDA, a mobile computer, any other mobile computing device, acomputer, a server, or any other computer. In one or more embodiments, aconnection to the remote computing device is established when atriggering event is detected, such as by image capture device 308,microphone 326, an environmental sensor, or a maintenance sensorconfigured to generate a warning when the cognitive enrichment devicerequires attention and/or refilling. A triggering event may also includea connection request from a remote computing device, such as a computingdevice authenticated to connect with the cognitive enrichment device. Atriggering event may also include input from an animal indicating adesire to connect to a remote computing device.

In one or more embodiments, the remote computing device is a secondcognitive enrichment device connected to the network. The second user ofthe second cognitive enrichment device may be an animal.

In one or more embodiments, a remote video feed received from the remotecomputing device is displayed on a display device, such as touch-screen302. In one or more embodiments, the remote video feed is displayed on adisplay device with image capture device 308 mounted to it, simulating avideo chat environment in real time where a user of that remotecomputing device and an animal user of the cognitive enrichment devicemay simultaneously view each other.

Optional microphone 326 may be used to generate an audio streamassociated with the video feed. In one or more embodiments, microphone326 may be used as an environmental sensor, such as to verify anidentity of an animal. Microphone 326 may also be used as an inputdevice, such as to accept an input corresponding to a stimuli selectedby the animal.

One or more optional speakers 302-304 may be used to play an audiostream associated with the remote video feed displayed. In one or moreembodiments, speakers 302-304 may be used to play auditory rewards,including both positive and negative rewards. In one or moreembodiments, only positive rewards are generated and/or dispensed bycognitive enrichment device 300.

Cognitive enrichment device 300 further includes reward dispenser 318.Reward dispenser 318 is configured to dispense a reward 322. Cognitiveenrichment device 300 may include a reward container 320 to hold reward322 dispensed by reward dispenser 318. In one or more embodiments,reward 322 is a food reward.

In one or more embodiments, stimuli 310-316 displayed on touch-screendevice 302 are objects displayed in game, where a correct response maybe determined. The dispensing decision is based on a comparison of theinput from the animal to the correct response. The game may beconfigured to evaluate and/or improve one or more skills of the animal,such as a cognitive skill, a coordination skill, a memory skill, a speedskill, an accuracy skill, a behavioral skill, or any other skill.

In one or more embodiments, the game is a level selected from amulti-level battery of cognitive training exercises. In an exemplarymulti-leveled battery of cognitive training exercises, a preliminarylevel may be used to acclimate the animal to the cognitive enrichmentsystem. A reward level may be used to acclimate the animal to thepresentation of the reward, including the method of delivery of thereward. An object level may be used for associating an object selectionwith a reward. During an object level trial, a stimulus is presented tothe animal, and the animal earns the reward by selecting the stimulus. Adiscrimination level may be used for associating a specific object witha reward. During a discrimination level trial, two or more stimuli arepresented to the animal, and the animal earns the reward by selectingthe correct stimulus associated with the reward. A reversal level may beused to disassociate a previously learned association between a rewardand a specific object. During a reversal level trial, two or morestimuli are presented to the animal, where selection of a first stimuluswas previously rewarded. The animal earns the reward by selecting asecond stimulus that was previously unrewarded.

Cognitive enrichment device 300 may be configured to present a modifiedgame to evaluate and/or improve performance in an animal with adisability or disease. In one or more embodiments, at least one stimuli310-316 is displayed with animation. For example, movement may be usedto evaluate and/or improve memory, object tracking, excitability, speed,coordination, or any other skill.

Cognitive enrichment device 300 may further include housing 324 for aprocessor. The processor is communicatively coupled with thetouch-screen 302 and reward dispenser 318. In one or more embodiments,the processor is wirelessly coupled with touch-screen 302 and rewarddispenser 318. Although FIG. 3 shows touch-screen 302 (a display devicecombined with an input device), reward dispenser 318 and housing 324containing the processor as a single unit of physically connectedcomponents, these components may be provided as separate units capableof wireless communication without departing from the spirit or the scopeof the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary reward dispenser in accordance with oneor more embodiments of systems and methods for cognitive enrichment ofan animal. Multi-food dispenser 400 includes a plurality of foodchambers 404-408. In one or more embodiments, food chambers 404-408 areformed as partitions of divided housing 402. One or more lids 410 may beused to provide access to food chambers 404-408.

Multi-food dispenser 400 is configured to dispense at least one selectedfood from food chambers 404-408. In one or more embodiments, theselected food is based on an input from the animal. The input maycorrespond to a stimuli selected by the animal from the displayedstimuli, which are shown in further detail at FIG. 5.

Multi-food dispenser 400 may further include wireless sensor 422 capableof receiving control signals from a processor of the cognitiveenrichment device. The control signals may be any form of wirelessenergy, such as radiofrequency, infrared, laser, visible light, acousticenergy, Bluetooth, or any other energy capable of transferringinformation wirelessly. Alternatively, multi-food dispenser 400 may havea physical connection to communicate with the processor of the cognitiveenrichment device.

Multi-food dispenser 400 may further include dispensing mechanism 412for dispensing a predetermined quantity of selected food 414 from one offood chambers 404-408. Methods for dispensing a predetermined quantityof a substance from a chamber are known in the art, and any of thesemethods may be used without departing from the spirit or the scope ofthe invention.

Multi-food dispenser 400 may further include one or more indicators416-418. Indicators 416-418 may turn on to indicate low battery power,disconnection from a power source, a low or empty food chamber, amechanical error, a blockage, or any other error or status of multi-fooddispenser 400 requiring attention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary display device in accordance with one ormore embodiments of systems and methods for cognitive enrichment of ananimal. Stimuli 504-508 are displayed on a screen 502 of display device500. Stimuli 504-508 are each associated with a food type stored in theplurality of food chambers 404-408 of multi-food reward dispenser 400.Stimuli 504-508 may include an image of the associated food type. In oneor more embodiments, additional cues, such as differing shapes andcolors, are also used to help the animal distinguish the available foodtypes offered. Over time, the animal will learn to associate thedifferent shapes and colors with the different food types. Exemplarymethods for implementing menu selection for an animal are discussed infurther detail at FIGS. 8-9.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary extended, networked system in accordancewith one or more embodiments of systems and methods for cognitiveenrichment of an animal. System 600 includes a plurality of cognitiveenrichment systems 602-606, each having a network communication devicecapable of connecting to network 608. Network 608 may include one ormore Local Area Networks (LAN) Wide Area Networks (WAN), wirelessnetworks, optical networks, distributed networks, the Internet or anyother network or combination thereof.

System 600 further includes cognitive enrichment server 610. Anexemplary diagram of data stored and used by cognitive enrichment server610 is shown to give an idea of the versatility, power and functionalityof cognitive enrichment server 610 based on the stored data. However,one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any otherconfiguration of data may be used without departing from the spirit orthe scope of the invention as described herein.

Cognitive enrichment server 610 may include module data store 612.Module data store 612 stores a plurality of modules available overnetwork 608 to cognitive enrichment system 602-606. In one or moreembodiments, each module includes computer-readable instructionsconfigured to modify stimuli displayed, said input accepted, and/ordispensing decisions in cognitive enrichment systems 602-606. In one ormore embodiments, the stimuli displayed our object displayed in a gameconfigured to evaluate and/or improve one or more skills of the animal,such as a cognitive skill, a coordination skill, a memory skill, a speedskill, and accuracy skill, a behavioral skill, or any other skill. Forexample, module data 614 store for each module may include a module ID,a module type, a set of stimuli for display, input handling, dispensingdecision, module price, or any other information useful for implementingthe module on a cognitive enrichment system. Modules may be priced forfree or for a cost. In one or more embodiments, modules may be submittedby third-parties, including owners of a cognitive enrichment system.

Module data store 612 includes stimuli file store 616. In one or moreembodiments, stimuli file store includes stimuli file data, such asimage data, sound data, and animation data associated with one or moremodules. Stimuli file data may be stored and provided along with eachdownloaded module to enable the execution of the module on cognitiveenrichment systems 602-606.

Cognitive enrichment server 610 may include recorded data store 618.Recorded data store 618 includes any recordable data recorded bycognitive enrichment system 602-606, such as menu choice data,nutritional intake data, cognitive data, performance data, activitydata, behavioral data, physiological data, timing information, amountinformation, type information, score information, speed information, orany other information recordable by cognitive enrichment devices602-606. For example, recorded data store 618 may include parameter data620 on each subject, such as a subject identifier, age, sex, breed,weight, and/or any other parameter data.

Recorded data store 618 may also include consumption data 624, such as afood identifier, a subject identifier, an amount, and/or any otherconsumption data.

Recorded data store 618 may also include test data 622, such as a moduleidentifier, a subject identifier, one or more scores, and any other testor module data. Scores may include timing information, speedinformation, accuracy information or any other score.

Recorded data store 618 may also include food data 626, such as a foodidentifier and one or more nutritional values such as ingredients,calories, vitamins, minerals, protein, ash, fat, carbohydrates, or anyother nutritional limitation. In one or more embodiments, food dataincludes a rating based on aggregated data contained in recorded datastore 618.

System 600 further includes remote computing devices 630-632. Remotecomputing devices 630-632 include any remote computing device authorizedto access local information on one or more cognitive enrichment system602-606, such as a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a PDA, a mobilecomputer, any other mobile computing device, a computer, a server, orany other computer. Cognitive enrichment devices 602-606 may beconfigured to connect to remote computing devices 630-632, such as totransfer information, including transmitting a video feed or receiving aremote video feed. In one or more embodiments, remote computing devices630-632 may include cognitive enrichment devices 602-606 connected tothe network.

In one or more embodiments, remote computing devices 630-632 may be usedto access and display trend data and comparative data from cognitiveenrichment server 610 and a cognitive enrichment system, where theremote computing device is authorized to access the cognitive enrichmentsystem. In one or more embodiments, remote computing devices 630-632 maybe used to manage an account associated with the cognitive enrichmentsystem, including add-on modules, bill payment, security settings, andany other account management feature.

In one or more embodiments, cognitive enrichment server 610 managesadvertisement and/or sale of tangible goods compatible with cognitiveenrichment devices 602-606, such as additional pet products for trainingand/or entertainment. Cognitive enrichment server 610 may also manageadvertisement and/or sale of one or more food types, including foodtypes associated with one or more preferred food types and/or preferredbrands. Cognitive enrichment server 610 may preferentially maintain fooddata 620 641 or more preferred food types and/or preferred brands. Inone or more embodiments, cognitive enrichment server 610 is configuredto communicate with cognitive enrichment devices 602-606 to determinewhen a specific food type associated with a food chamber is low.Cognitive enrichment server 610 may automatically generate an orderand/or a notification to re-order the specific food type.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for sending and receivingdata in accordance with one or more embodiments of systems and methodsfor cognitive enrichment of an animal. Process 700 begins at step 702.

Processing continues to step 704, where local data corresponding to ananimal is uploaded over a network. In one or more embodiments, the localdata is uploaded to a central or distributed server configured toaggregate local data. The local data may include any data recordable bya cognitive enrichment device configured to monitor and record animaldata in real time. The local data may include at least one of menuchoice data, nutritional intake data, cognitive data, performance data,activity data, behavioral data, physiological data, or any otherrecordable data based on interaction between a cognitive enrichmentdevice and an animal. The local data may include timing information,amount information, type information, score information, speedinformation, or any other information recordable by the cognitiveenrichment device.

Processing continues to optional step 706, where parameter datacorresponding to the animal is uploaded over the network. The parameterdata may include at least one parameter selected from animal breed, age,sex, weight, diseases, allergies, disposition, and any othercharacteristic of the animal. In one or more embodiments, the parameterdata includes at least one parameter reflecting an animal's household.

Processing continues to step 708, where cloud data corresponding toother animals is downloaded over the network. The cloud data may includetrend data that is generated based on all of the other animals, or basedon any subset of the other animals. A subset of the other animals may bedefined by parameter data. Any parameter may be used to classify theplurality of animals and provide trend data for each classification. Forexample, trend data may be generated for subsets based on animal breed,age, sex, weight, diseases, allergies, disposition, household data, andany other characteristic or combination thereof.

Processing continues to step 710, where a comparison of the local dataand the cloud data is displayed. In one or more embodiments, thecomparison allows a user to view the differences between the animal andsimilar animals regarding information such as menu choice data,nutritional intake data, cognitive data, performance data, activitydata, behavioral data, physiological data, or any other recordable data.In one or more embodiments, the comparison is displayed on a displaydevice of the cognitive enrichment device. The comparison may also bedisplayed on any remote computing device authorized to access localinformation, such as a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a PDA, amobile computer, any other mobile computing device, a computer, aserver, or any other computer.

Processing continues to step 712, where process 700 terminates.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for implementing menuselection based on a nutritional limitation in accordance with one ormore embodiments of systems and methods for cognitive enrichment of ananimal. Process 800 begins at step 802.

Processing continues to step 804, where at least one animal dietparameter is accepted. The at least one animal diet parametercorresponds to an animal. In one or more embodiments, the animal is acanine. Animal diet parameters may include any characteristic of theanimal relevant to dietary intake, including weight, breed, age,activity level, diseases, allergies, desired weight change, or any othercharacteristic of the animal relevant to dietary intake.

Processing continues to step 806, where at least one nutritionallimitation is determined based on the at least one animal dietparameter. In one or more embodiments, the at least one nutritionallimitation is determined for a time period. A nutritional limitationincludes any minimum maximum amount of calories, vitamins, minerals,protein, ash, fat, carbohydrates, or any other nutritional limitation.

Processing continues to step 808, where periodic nutritional intakeinformation is tracked for a time period corresponding to thenutritional limitation. The periodic nutritional intake informationcorresponds to food dispensed during the current time period. In one ormore embodiments, nutritional information for each food type may bemanually entered or downloaded. The periodic nutritional intakeinformation may be programmed to take into account other foods consumedby the animal. The periodic nutritional intake information isperiodically reset based on the time period associated with the at leastone nutritional limitation.

Processing continues to step 810, where a food selection input isaccepted from the animal. In one or more embodiments, the food selectioncorresponds to a selected food type selected from the available foodtypes in the reward dispenser.

Processing continues to decision step 812, where it is determinedwhether or not any nutritional limitation has been exceeded. In one ormore embodiments, decision step 812 includes determining whether or notdispensing a selected food type will result in exceeding any nutritionallimitation.

If any nutritional limitation is exceeded, processing continues to step818, where process 800 terminates.

Returning to decision step 812, if no nutritional limitation will beexceeded, processing continues to step 814, where the selected food typeis dispensed. In one or more embodiments, if dispensing a full amount ofthe selected food type will exceed any nutritional limitation, a partialamount of the selected food type will be dispensed such that thenutritional limitation is not exceeded.

Processing continues to step 816, where the periodic nutritional intakeinformation is updated. The periodic nutritional intake information maybe updated based on the food type and quantity dispensed.

Processing continues to step 818, where process 800 terminates

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for implementing menuselection based on a nutritional requirement in accordance with one ormore embodiments of systems and methods for cognitive enrichment of ananimal. Process 900 begins at step 902.

Processing continues to step 904, where at least one animal dietparameter is accepted. The at least one animal diet parametercorresponds to an animal. In one or more embodiments, the animal is acanine. Animal diet parameters may include any characteristic of theanimal relevant to dietary intake, including weight, breed, age,activity level, diseases, allergies, desired weight change, or any othercharacteristic of the animal relevant to dietary intake.

Processing continues to step 906, where at least one nutritionalrequirement is determined based on the at least one animal dietparameter. In one or more embodiments, the at least one nutritionalrequirement is determined for a time period. A nutritional requirementincludes any minimum recommended amount of calories, vitamins, minerals,protein, or any other nutritional requirement.

Processing continues to step 908, where periodic nutritional intakeinformation is tracked for a time period corresponding to thenutritional requirement. The periodic nutritional intake informationcorresponds to food dispensed during the current time period. In one ormore embodiments, nutritional information for each food type may bemanually entered or downloaded. The periodic nutritional intakeinformation may be programmed to take into account other foods consumedby the animal. The periodic nutritional intake information isperiodically reset based on the time period associated with the at leastone nutritional requirement.

Processing continues to step 910, where stimuli are selected based onthe periodic nutritional intake information and the at least onenutritional requirement. In one or more embodiments, the availablestimuli from which the stimuli are selected correspond to the availablefood types in the reward dispenser. The stimuli may be selected based ontheir ingredients and nutritional values to increase the likelihood thatthe at least one nutritional requirement is met during the current timeperiod.

Processing continues to step 912, where process 900 terminates.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for sending and receivingvideo data in accordance with one or more embodiments of systems andmethods for cognitive enrichment of an animal. Process 1000 begins atstep 1002.

Processing continues to optional step 1004, where a triggering event isdetected. The triggering event may be detected by an image capturedevice, a microphone, an environmental sensor, or a maintenance sensorconfigured to generate a warning when the cognitive enrichment devicerequires attention and/or refilling. A triggering event may also includea connection request from a remote computing device, such as a computingdevice authenticated to connect with the cognitive enrichment device. Atriggering event may also include input from an animal indicating adesire to connect.

Processing continues to step 1006, where a connection to a remotecomputing device is established. The remote computing device may includea cellular telephone, a smart phone, a PDA, a mobile computer, any othermobile computing device, a computer, a server, or any other computer.The connection to the remote computing device is established over anetwork, including one or more Local Area Networks (LAN) Wide AreaNetworks (WAN), wireless networks, optical networks, distributednetworks, the Internet or any other network or combination thereof. Thecomputing device may be previously authenticated to connect with thecognitive enrichment device, or authorization may be required toestablish the connection. In one or more embodiments, the remotecomputing device is a second cognitive enrichment device connected tothe network. The second user of the second cognitive enrichment devicemay be an animal.

Processing continues to step 1008, where the video feed is transferredto the computing device. In one or more embodiments, the cognitiveenrichment device generates the video feed using one or more imagecapture devices. In one or more embodiments, a sound, treat, or othersignal may be used to entice or train the animal to come within range ofthe image capture device. The animal may be trained to associate aunique sound or another unique signal with connection requests fromspecific users.

Processing continues to optional step 1010, where a remote video feed isreceived from the remote computing device.

Processing continues to optional step 1012, where the remote video feedis displayed on at least one of the display devices of the cognitiveenrichment device. In one or more embodiments, the remote video feed isdisplayed on a display device with the image capture device mounted toit, simulating a video chat environment where a user of that remotecomputing device and an animal user of the cognitive enrichment devicemay simultaneously view each other.

Processing continues to step 1014, where process 1000 terminates.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for collecting andproviding data with one or more embodiments of systems and methods forcognitive enrichment of an animal. Process 1100 begins at step 1102.

Processing continues to step 1104, where a plurality of domesticatedanimals are registered. The registered animals may each be associatedwith a cognitive enrichment device configured to interact with theanimal.

Processing continues to step 1106, where parameter data corresponding tothe plurality of domesticated animals is received. The parameter dataincludes at least one parameter selected from animal breed, age, sex,weight, diseases, allergies, disposition, and any other characteristicof the animal. In one or more embodiments, the parameter data includesat least one parameter reflecting an animal's household.

Processing continues to step 1108, where recorded data corresponding tothe plurality of domesticated animals is received. The recorded data maybe received from one or more cognitive enrichment devices configured tomonitor and record animal data in real time. The recorded data mayinclude at least one of menu choice data, nutritional intake data,cognitive data, performance data, activity data, behavioral data,physiological data, or any other recordable data based on interactionbetween a cognitive enrichment device and an animal. The recorded datamay include timing information, amount information, type information,score information, speed information, or any other informationrecordable by the cognitive enrichment device.

Processing continues to step 1110, where recorded data is processedusing parameter data to generate trend data. The trend data may includeany statistical data, including mean, medium, moved, range, standarddeviation, and other statistical data. The trend data may be generatedfor any subset of the plurality of domesticated animals, such as anysubset defined by parameter data. Any parameter may be used to classifythe plurality of animals and provide trend data for each classification.For example, trend data may be generated for subsets based on animalbreed, age, sex, weight, diseases, allergies, disposition, householddata, and any other characteristic.

Processing continues to step 1112, where the trend data is provided toat least one of the cognitive enrichment devices associated with atleast one of the plurality of domesticated animals. In one or moreembodiments, the trend data provided to a cognitive enrichment deviceincludes statistical data for animals sharing one or more parameterswith the animal associated with the cognitive enrichment device.

Trend data may be provided for individual matching parameters as well asfor combinations of matching parameters. For example, if the animalassociated with the cognitive enrichment device is an 8 year old femalebeagle, trend data may be provided for subsets of the plurality ofdomesticated animals, including: all animals, all beagles (i.e. bybreed), all females (i.e. by sex), all senior animals (i.e. by age), allsenior females (i.e. by age and sex), all senior beagles (i.e. by ageand breed), all female beagles (i.e. by sex and breed), and all seniorfemale beagles (i.e. by age, sex and breed). Although possible trenddata based on age, sex and breed are described in this example, thetrend data may be provided based on any set of parameters.

Processing continues to step 1114, where process 1100 terminates.

While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means ofspecific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modificationsand variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for cognitive enrichment of adomesticated animal comprising: providing at least one display deviceand said at least one input device in a touch-screen display capable ofdisplaying images on a screen and accepting touch input on said screen;displaying one or more stimuli to an animal using at least one displaydevice; accepting an input from said animal corresponding to one or morestimuli; making a dispensing decision based on said input; anddispensing a reward using at least one reward dispenser based on saiddispensing decision.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one ofsaid at least one display device, said at least one input device, andsaid at least one reward dispenser is communicatively coupled with atleast one processor.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said at least onereward dispenser comprises a plurality of food chambers configured tostore a plurality of food types, wherein said at least one rewarddispenser is configured to dispense at least one selected food from atleast one of said plurality of food chambers.
 4. The method of claim 3,wherein said one or more stimuli comprises images corresponding to saidplurality of food types, wherein said input comprises a food selectioncorresponding to a selected food type.
 5. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid dispensing decision is based on at least one nutritionalcalculation and wherein said reward comprises said selected food type.6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: accepting from a user atleast one animal diet parameter corresponding to said animal;determining at least one nutritional limitation for a time period basedon said at least one animal diet parameter; tracking periodicnutritional intake information corresponding to food dispensed during acurrent time period; and periodically resetting said periodicnutritional intake information, wherein said nutritional calculationcomprises determining if dispensing said reward would exceed any of saidat least one nutritional limitation during said current time period. 7.The method of claim 1, further comprising: accepting from a user atleast one animal diet parameter corresponding to said animal;determining at least one nutritional requirement for a time period basedon said at least one animal diet parameter; tracking periodicnutritional intake information corresponding to food dispensed during acurrent time period; selecting said stimuli for display based on saidperiodic nutritional intake information and said at least onenutritional requirement; and periodically resetting said periodicnutritional intake information.
 8. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving a remote video feed from a remote computingdevice; and displaying said remote video feed on at least one of said atleast one display device.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:uploading local data corresponding to said animal over a network;downloading cloud data corresponding to other animals over said network;and displaying a comparison of said local data and said cloud data. 10.The method of claim 1, wherein said animal is a canine.
 11. A system forcognitive enrichment of a domesticated animal comprising: at least onedisplay device configured to display stimuli to an animal; at least oneinput device configured to accept input from said animal; at least onereward dispenser configured to dispense at least one reward to saidanimal; at least one image capture device configured to capture a videofeed; and a computer configured to perform a process comprising:displaying one or more stimuli to said animal using said at least onedisplay device; accepting an input from said animal corresponding to atleast one of said one or more stimuli; making a dispensing decisionbased on said input; and dispensing a reward using said at least onereward dispenser based on said dispensing decision; and transmittingsaid video feed to a remote computing device in response to at least oneof an action of said animal, a threshold environmental reading, and aconnection request from said remote computing device.
 12. The system ofclaim 11, wherein said computer further performs process stepscomprising: receiving a remote video feed from said remote computingdevice; and displaying said remote video feed on at least one of said atleast one display device.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein saidanimal is a canine.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein said computerfurther determines an identity of said animal interacting with said atleast one display device and said at least one input device.
 15. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein said one or more stimuli displayed to saidanimal comprises a game, and wherein said dispensing decision is basedon a comparison of said input to a correct response.
 16. The system ofclaim 15, wherein at least one of said one or more stimuli are displayedwith animation.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein said game isconfigured to improve a skill of said animal.
 18. The system of claim15, wherein said game comprises a level selected from a multi-levelbattery of cognitive training exercises.
 19. The system of claim 15,further comprising at least one add-on module downloadable over anetwork, wherein said at least one add-on module comprisescomputer-readable instructions configured to modify at least one of saidstimuli, said input and said dispensing decision.
 20. The system ofclaim 19, wherein said computer further uploads parameter datacorresponding to said animal over said network, wherein said parameterdata comprises at least one parameter selected from animal breed, ageand sex.